“Undisturbed calmness of mind is attained by cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and indifference toward the wicked.” - Patanjali
Yoga is for everyone. Thanks to the poses, breathing exercises, and stretches, yoga comes with a lot of physical, mental, and spiritual benefits for anyone who does it.
If you’re a man who has never tried yoga before and you’re not sure where to start, this guide is for you!
Here are the 10 best tips for men to begin a fulfilling and gratifying yoga practice.
While essentially all yoga schools teach a mixture of asana (poses), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation, different schools of yoga will have different focuses and methods.
Do you prefer rigid instruction or do you want to be able to move intuitively? Do you want to feel strong and sore at the end of the class, or do you want to feel relaxed and stretched?
You don’t have to commit to one type of yoga, either! You can take as many different styles as you want as often as you’d like.
The styles of yoga that beginners tend to start with include Ashtanga, Iyengar, Vinyasa, Hatha, and Yin.
Decide What Benefits You Need
Identify Your Goals
Relaxation: Consider styles like Yin or Restorative Yoga.
Fitness: Vinyasa or Ashtanga may suit you for a more vigorous workout.
Flexibility: Hatha or Iyengar can help improve flexibility.
Once you know a little about what you want from a yoga class, think about what you actually need.
Many times we resist what we actually need because we don’t want to do that particular work.
This is especially a trend among men who want to exclusively do the “macho” styles of yoga like Vinyasa, Hot, Power, and Ashtanga, and skip the “feminine” types of yoga, like Restorative, Kundalini, and Yin.
And while it can be very beneficial to practice the more physically demanding types of yoga, you can also benefit greatly from deep stretching, breathing, and relaxing.
Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try a type of yoga that sounds beneficial even if it’s not something you’d usually choose.
No matter what you need from a yoga practice, there is a style out there that can provide it.
Decide Based On Preferences
If you're a beginner, Hatha or Yin Yoga can provide a gentle introduction.
Intermediate practitioners might enjoy Vinyasa or Ashtanga as a challenge.
Note: If you are new to Yoga, it is very important to assess your fitness levels correctly!
One of the problems men who want to practice yoga face is a feeling of not belonging or being self-conscious.
Many yoga classes have a majority of women attending, which makes some men feel awkward when they are in attendance.
Others feel out of place because they aren’t very flexible, don’t know anything about yoga, or otherwise feel like they don’t belong.
Yoga is for everyone.
The yoga studio is meant to let every yogi feel comfortable and give them the ability to perform their yoga practice without worry of judgment.
Just because your poses might not look like the other, bendier members of the class, and just because you might be the only man there, it doesn’t mean that you should give up practicing.
Don’t worry about what you look like. Instead, focus on what you feel like when you practice yoga.
Embrace the Subtle Parts of Yoga
Many people focus only on the asana portion of yoga. And it makes sense; it’s the most-often taught aspect in class, it’s easy to see results from consistent practice, and everyone wants to feel and look good in their physical bodies.
Ask yourself the right questions!
Do you prefer a more meditative practice? Try Kundalini or Yin.
Enjoy dynamic movement? Vinyasa or Power Yoga could be a fit.
But what happens to many fitness-focused yogis is that they find, over time, that their spiritual and emotional sides are also growing stronger as a result of practicing asana.
If you follow the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali, you’ll see that the 8 Limbs of Yoga (the Ashtanga Yoga System) are laid out in the order the yogi is meant to learn them.
Before you even get to Asana (which is 3rd), you are meant to practice the Yamas and Niyamas, which are the ethical and moral codes you should follow to live a good life for yourself and your society.
Asana comes next, followed by Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.
As you can see, there is a lot more than just the poses in the discipline of yoga!
While you don’t have to become a master of the Ashtanga Yoga System to enjoy yoga and its benefits, it’s a good idea to at least be familiar with the concepts.
After all, is there a downside to living a more positive and generous life, being more self-aware and self-accepting, and taking the time to find the joy and beauty in life?
“Anybody can breathe, therefore anyone can practice yoga.”—T.K.V. Desikachar
Search in yoga schools, ashrams, studios, retreats, and other yoga facilities near you to find your perfect yoga teacher!
Attend different classes to experience various Yoga styles firsthand.
Speak with yoga trainers about their classes and what to expect.
If you aren’t satisfied with the options near you or require more flexibility, you can search online with a site like Superprof to find a face-to-face or online yoga teacher who can give you private attention and personalized feedback on your practice.
You can learn a lot from a private teacher about asana as well as the other aspects of yoga like meditation and the 8 Limbs.
They can also give you feedback on your personal physiology to help you troubleshoot pain and soreness, and tell you how to best work with your body for the ultimate yoga experience.
When it comes to beginner yoga for men, finding a teacher who has experience advising male yogis is a great way to learn.
Use Resources at Home
When you want to practice without a teacher, you can always find resources online. Explore online resources or videos to get a feel for different styles before committing. Pay attention to how your body feels during and after classes.
Search YouTube to find any number of popular and knowledgeable yoga teachers and follow along with their videos.
You can also find yoga courses online, as well as read books and blogs, listen to podcasts, and attend webinars.
All you need to get started with your yoga practice today is a place to practice and a willingness to learn.
Where The Right Outfit For Yoga
To feel the most comfortable and be able to perform the poses to the best of your ability in class, you’ll want to ensure that you have proper clothing.
Loose but well-fitting clothing works well. You don’t want it to fall down (or up, if you’re inverted), but you don’t want it to be so tight that it’s uncomfortable, either.
Wear something stretchy and comfortable. If you’re going to be sweating, ensure you wear a breathable material. If you’re going to be meditating for a long time and might get chilly, bring a sweater.
Equip Yourself With All Yoga Accessories
For beginners, essential yoga accessories include:
Yoga Mat: A non-slip mat provides cushioning and stability during practice.
Yoga Blocks: These help with balance and support in various poses.
Yoga Strap: Useful for stretching and improving flexibility, especially in challenging poses.
Bolster: Offers support in restorative poses and helps with relaxation.
Knee Pad: Provides extra cushioning for the knees during poses that require kneeling.
Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important during practice.
The standard advice for any yogi is to have a good mat. Any equipment beyond that is optional.
Even a mat can be optional, especially if you practice exclusively at home.
Some yoga studios will have mats for students to borrow, so you don’t even need one to go to class.
If you have a sturdy, flat, solid surface where you won’t slip and fall, you can practice yoga anywhere!
In the grass, on the floor, on a mountain, as long as you’ve got a comfortable spot!
However, if you do want to purchase accessories, a good arsenal includes a yoga mat, a yoga block, a yoga strap, a towel, and a bag to carry it all. Other extra props people sometimes use are bolsters, blankets, sandbags, assisted inversion stools, acupressure balls, yoga wheels, meditation pillows, knee and wrist supporters, and chairs.
“Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter your flame.” - BKS Iyengar
Study About Yoga & Your Body
Remember To Always Listen To Your Body.
Yoga has been shown to improve strength, balance, and flexibility, contributing to overall physical fitness and functional movement. Studies indicate that practicing yoga enhances body awareness by increasing attention to internal sensations, which can be beneficial for mental and physical health.
Emerging research suggests yoga can positively impact cardiovascular risk factors, such as lowering blood pressure and improving respiratory function.
Yoga is a multi-faceted discipline with thousands of practitioners to learn from through their writings and teachings.
You’ll always be learning something new about how to perform a pose you’ve been doing since day one, how to breathe to achieve a desired mental state, how to do a bandha, and other tools to add to your yoga routine.
And of course, the more you practice, the more poses will be “unlocked” for you. You likely can’t do a headstand on your first try, but give it a few weeks or months and you might just be lifting your feet over your head with ease!
Notice how much stronger you feel, how much more flexible you are, how much calmer you feel, and how much more easily you can take control of difficult situations in your life.
Your yoga practice is much more than just yoga poses for men, it’s a set of skills that help you in every part of your life!
I hope this quick and easy yoga guide helps you find your perfect yoga classes so you can start practicing yoga today!
Enjoyed this article?Leave a rating!
4.00 (6 rating(s))
Loading...
Bryanna Forest
Hi! I'm Bryanna and I love to learn new things, travel the world, practice yoga, spend time with animals, read fantasy novels, and watch great shows!
Guide To Find Yoga Teacher Training In India Yoga (Sanskrit for "union") is your connection with your innermost self. People practice yoga as a means of attaining calmness of mind in order to experience this connection. Most people enter the world of yoga with the intention of attaining physical fitness, gaining body strength and flexibility, […]
Your Complete Guide to Yoga Courses Near Me in India Yoga can be considered as the oldest 'recorded' form of exercise in the young history of Homo sapiens. Its origins can be traced back to c. sixth and fifth centuries BCE. Yoga's journey in India is deeply intertwined with its cultural and spiritual heritage, but […]
Try Your Hand at Teaching a Yoga Class Are you a new yogi who dreams of being a yoga instructor one day? Or are you an advanced yogi ready to take the plunge but you need a little encouragement? Building up your yoga practice and confidence to be able to teach yoga is a great […]
What Is Yoga And Its Origin: Yoga History Yoga is an age-old practice that has evolved over the centuries. The original purpose of yoga dates back thousands of years in ancient India. Initially, yoga was developed as a spiritual practice aimed at achieving harmony between the mind, body, and spirit. Its primary goal was to […]
Guide On How To Meditate Properly Everything is created twice, first in the mind, and then in reality - Robin Sharma Looking for a basic guide on how to meditate? What you need is a step-by-step outline on yoga and meditation that will help you realize the full extent of meditation benefits. With this simple […]
Yoga Classes for Beginners: Build A Healthy Lifestyle For Your Kids! “The seeds sown in childhood put down deep roots.” - Stephen King Yoga is a well-known healthy activity that is practiced all over the world. The modern trend is to believe that yoga is only for adults who can recognize that they are absorbing […]
Here are the Best Places to Learn Yoga in India The world today is busy, so busy that we don’t even find time to get our minds in a balanced or calm state. If you belong to that busy community, Yoga is the answer you may be looking for. Unlike any other exercise, Yoga stands […]
Outlining Hatha Yoga "Do you do yoga?" This simple question, phrased along the lines of 'do you do housework?' or 'do you go to school?', is not that easy to answer. We all know what housework is: washing up and hoovering, keeping the laundry piles in check and making sure that the house doesn't get […]
Why is Yoga Practice a Good Habit in India? Yoga is the amalgamation of body and mind together to indicate their complete union or oneness on a spiritual level. There is no reason why introducing yoga practice as part of your daily routine is not a good option. There is no age or gender limitation […]
5 September 2021 ∙ 7 minutes to read
Frequently asked questions
How do I start practicing yoga for men?
To begin practicing yoga as a man, try these steps:
Begin at home: Explore online tutorials or use yoga apps to learn basic poses and sequences.
Find a beginner-friendly class: Look for classes labeled as "beginner" or "all levels" at local yoga studios or gyms.
Attend with confidence: Remember that yoga is for everyone, regardless of gender. Don't let the presence of female students deter you; focus on your own practice and the benefits it brings.
Communicate with the instructor: Inform the instructor about being new to yoga or any specific concerns or injuries you may have.
Embrace the learning process: Start with patience and a willingness to progress gradually, respecting your body's limits and celebrating each small improvement.
How does yoga change a man's body?
Yoga can increase flexibility, improve posture, and enhance overall strength and muscle tone. Yoga also promotes better balance and coordination. Additionally, it can help alleviate muscle imbalances and reduce the risk of injuries. Over time, yoga can lead to a more toned physique, increased body awareness, and improved alignment. It also offers benefits for cardiovascular health, respiratory function, and stress reduction, contributing to an overall healthier and more balanced body.
Loading...
